CDTA Holds Public Forum on BRT at "THE LINDA"

The WAMC "The Linda Norris Auditorium" was the venue of choice for a very improtant Public Transit Gathering:




The Public was invited last night to review plans for the CDTA Bus rapid transit proposed BRT program. The public and the project partners has the opportunity to ask direct questions to the designers, planners and transportation executives on the Project.




For more infomation: http://www.cdta.org/

Tune into our NEW YouTube Video Channel

COMING SOON

We are developing a
YouTube Video Channel.
See news about BIDS and Central Avenue from the comfort of your desk! Check back soon as we develop our YouTube video channel with all new Central Avenue content!

Bus Rapid Transit Open House

New Meditation Center Hopes to Change the World--One Individual at a Time

If the stress of life has become too much, stop in to Central Avenue's new Meditation Center to clear your mind. The center offers how-to-classes for beginners, lunchtime and evening meditations, yoga classes, and a weekly self-improvement lecture series--and everything is free.

Run by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, the non-profit center is funded strictly through voluntary donations, said Ann Singh, Instructor and Coordinator at the Meditation Center.

The Meditation Center moved to its new location at 184 Central in September after being offered in a local house in a residential neighborhood. The group was looking for a location that would offer more public exposure, she said.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization was founded in a part of India, that is now Pakistan nearly 72 years ago. Since that time, the spiritual movement has spread to more than 110 countries, Singh said. The group has been in the U.S. for 30 years, and has 50 centers around the country.

The mission of the group is to change the world by bringing out the good in individuals. When people come to understand themselves they will behave in the world in a better way, Singh said.

For a complete calendar of events, please visit the center's website at http://www.bkwsu.org/, or call the center at 438-4180.

Mildred Elley Opens New School in Albany

Two technical schools are joining forces, and moving into state-of-the-art facilities in the heart of the city in July 2008. Mildred Elley School and Austin's School of Spa Technology, a subsidiary of Mildred Elley, will combine resources and take up residence in 855 Central Avenue.

Mildred Elley, which began in Albany in the early 1900s, has for the last 10 years been located in the Latham Circle Mall, and the technical college is excited about returning to the City of Albany. "We wanted to bring Mildred back to Albany," said Marketing Director Maria Neil. Austin has outgrown its former digs on at 527 Central Avenue.

The large office building will be renovated to accommodate the two schools, said Neil. The new facilities will provide the schools more room for growth, and offer "more of a collegey feeling" for the students, said Neil.

The new school expects to bring in 650 students, and plans to double the student body in coming years, she said. "The capacity is there," Neil said.

The technical school, which focuses on job-training, provides an Associate's Degree and certification in a range of business, design, and medical programs. Classes are offered on the days, evenings, and weekends to accommodate traditional and nontraditional students.

Austin's offers cosmetology, nail technology, and barbering. The new Mildred Elley school will be organized around three sub-schools, the School of Health and Wellness, the School of Digital Media, and the School of Business and Technology, offering degrees and certifications in popular areas including like Game Design and 3D Animation, Digital Graphics and Multimedia Design, Massage Therapy, Medical Assisting, Office Management, Paralegal Studies, and Hospitality and Travel Management.

For more information about Mildred Elley programs, please visit their website http://www.mildred-elley.edu/

Bringing Home the Family Feast

Lose weight. Find a new job. Get organized. New Year’s resolutions can be hard to keep, but if one of your resolutions this year is to spend more time with family, look no further than your dinner table.



Family dinner time is an excellent way to hang out with your family, and catch up on the day’s events. Thirty minutes a day can make a world of difference to you and your family. And it’s even better if you don’t have to cook!



Central Avenue offers cuisine from around the world—and it’s all just around the corner. Place a take-out before you head home, and you’ll be enjoying a family feast in no time.


Family dinner in three easy steps:
1. Place a take-out order before you leave work.
2. Pick it up on your way home.
3. Put it on the table for all to enjoy.
Here’s a selection of Central Avenue restaurants, or for a complete list and full menus, got to http://www.dinetheavenue.com/.

Shea’s
This cozy pub offers burgers, specialty sandwiches, and pizzas to go. Get half-pound ground sirloin burgers for your family ($6.20) or a large 10-cut 4 Cheese Delight Pizza ($12.45). Family of four can eat for an estimated $26.60 before tax and tip.
221 North Allen Street, 489-4231


Joe’s Grill
This bar and restaurant is tucked up by the railroad bridge, and offers a basic menu built to satisfy hearty appetites. They have hot open-faced turkey and roast beef sandwiches ($5.99-$6.99), baked ziti ($7.00) and a kid’s menu that offers chicken tenders ($3.50) and chicken wings ($3.00). Meal for family of four: $27.47
1044 Central Avenue, 454-0870


Bob & Ron’s Fish Fry
This family restaurant takes you right back to the 1950s. The restaurant offers you a range of fresh seafood at great prices. Try the fish fry ($3.85) or the shrimp roll ($4.15) or get one of the sandwich specials (fish, clam, or crab) which comes with fries and coleslaw for $6.25. Meal for family of four: $28.60
1007 Central Avenue, 482-5112


Rita’s Lebanese Café
For something new, try this restaurant, which offers delicious Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Try the falafel, kafta, or kebbah wraps, or a grilled chicken or beef pita sandwich ($6.00), or spinach pies ($6.00) or tabouli salad ($6.50). Meal for family of four: $24.00
188 North Allen Street, 437-3537


Azteca’s
Want something spicy? Try a combination platter from this new Mexican restaurant, two entrees served with rice and beans ($9.50), or the big burrito or taco salad, stuffed with goodness and topped with sour cream, cheese, and tomatoes, all for just $9.50. Meal for family of four: $38.00 (entrees are large and can be split to reduce the cost.)
4 Central Avenue, 436-4795


CCK/Van’s
This Chinese and Japanese restaurant is a neighborhood favorite. Try Kung Po Chicken ($5.95), Sushi Rolls ($3.25-$9.95), Roast Duck ($7.50), or chicken fried rice ($6.00). Round out the meal with miso soup ($1.50) or seaweed salad ($3.50). The menu is extensive so everyone is sure to find something they love. Meal for family of four: $28.00
299 Central Avenue, 433-2658


Nino’s Deli and Subs
These subs are handmade with fresh ingredients and beat the pants off those chain stores. Their pesto and sauce are homemade. Their cheese and cold cuts are top quality. What are you waiting for? Get a large roast beef sub ($5.89), meatball parm ($5.99), chicken parm ($6.49) or Super Italian ($6.19). Meal for family of four: $25.00
718 Central Avenue, 489-1140


It’s A Piece of Cake!
If schedules are a constraint, why don’t you try just grabbing dessert? Everyone can make time for a slice of pie or a pastry.


Gateway Diner has a full bakery, offering fudge brownies ($2.89), napoleons ($2.99), apple turnovers ($2.29), or cakes starting at $15.99. Bring home some sweet treats and watch everyone’s face light up.
899 Central Avenue, 482-7557

Clothes Come 'Round Again--Plato's Closet Offers High Fashion at Discount Prices

Plato's Closet buys and sells gently-used teen clothes & it's offering top dollar for name-brand styles in good condition. "We're not a thrift store where you're going to be digging through piles. We only have top quality items," said Kellie Robertson, owner of the clothing store in Point Plaza on Central Avenue.

The store specializes in hot brands like Abercrombie and Fitch, Hollister, and American Eagle. Plato's sells clothes, outerwear, shoes, and accessories for boys and girls. On a recent Thursday afternoon, the store was filled with clothes and kids. A couple who has just brought in a bag of clothes to sell takes some time to browse through the organized racks, maybe hoping to restock. All the racks are organized by clothing type, color and size. Shoes and accessories crowd the tops and ends of the racks, and the store is decorated with shopping bags from popular stores in the mall.

Plato's only accepts items that are in style. "They have to have been in the mall in the last year," said Janelle Ledbetter, Assistant Manager. To ensure that the clothes on the racks stay attractive, the store's 14 employees are tested on their fashion skills and style, Ledbetter said. "You have to be pretty fashion saavy," Ledbetter said.

Plato's Closet is part of a national franchise. Robertson and her husband learned about the franchise from Robertson's cousin, and decided to open their own store two years ago. The Robertsons have six kids and know how expensive clothing can be, Robertson said. They wanted to help make it easier for other parents. In January, they will open a second location across the street from Rotterdam Mall.

Plato's Closet certainly is an alternative to the mall for some budget-conscious kids and parents looking to stretch a buck. Customers can get a whole outfit--tops and bottoms--for $25. That's less than the cost of a sweater at some of these boutiques, meaning that Plato's Closet could give the mall a run for its money.

Plato's Closet is located at 818 Central Avenue in Albany. They are open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm.

Central Avenue Gift Guide-Your holiday shopping guide to the best bargains on the Avenue

Not up for a trek to the mall? Christmas presents are closer than you think! Central Avenue used to be Albany’s shopping district—Now you can relive those glory days, and support local businesses. Here’s a shopping guide to some of the best bargains on Central Avenue. Whether you need a gift for a new baby, a stocking stuffer for Uncle Bill, or a present for a hard-to-please teen, make these Central Avenue stores your destination:

Best Bargain Gift EVER—Fleece Hat and Scarf set
Family Beauty Supply, 139 Central Avenue
Offering fleece hat and scarf sets in a number of colors and patterns for just $2.99. This is a great stocking stuffer or last minute gift!

Go Army—Army & Navy Bags
Unique Army Navy Supply Store, 129 Central Avenue
Offering very cool military-style shoulder bags $9.99, European ruck sacks $25.99, and NATO medic bags $9.99. These military-style bags are the latest in fashion, and the heavy-duty canvas bags are virtually indestructible (so they’ll be around the next time they become popular, too.)

Street smarts—Urban fiction
Front Page Bookstore, 121 Central Avenue
This bookstore specializes in urban fiction, African-American biographies, but they also have a wonderful selection of children’s books featuring minority protagonists. Some great gift ideas include the biography of Dr. Dre ($24.95), the new Wanda Sykes book ($23.00), the biography of James Baldwin ($18.95), or the award-winning children’s book, Come on Rain ($16.95) or another beloved children’s tale, Me and Uncle Romie ($16.99).

Good green groceries—Sweet Treats
Honest Weight Food Co-Op, 484 Central Avenue
This full-service grocery store offers everything from organic groceries, to bulk foods, to produce, to a gourmet deli. The store also offers a number of unique gifts. Bee Man Candles in fun pine tree and pine cone shapes ($3.49-$6.99). For the tea lover in your life, grab a box or two of Yogi Tea ($3.79). The store offers a range of flavors including Egyptian Licorice, African Redbush Peach, Moroccan Orange Spice, and Tahitian Vanilla Hazelnut. They also have great sweets, including tasty sugar-free Queen Bee Candy ($13.39/lb) in Caramel Kisses, Creamy Fudge, Hawaiian Berry, and Pecan Pearl; Baker’s Daughter homemade brownies ($3.49), and gourmet honeys from Catalonia in rosemary, thyme, and lavender ($8.49). Stop in and roam through for more great ideas!

Boost your super powers—Grab a comic book
Earthworld Comics, 537 Central Avenue
This store offers everything from the latest adventures of Lobster Johnson ($2.99), to action hero T-shirts ($17.95-$18.95) to action figures from all the most popular series, including Batman, Kingdom Come, Buffy, Wonder Woman, and Nightmare Before Christmas ($14.95-$25.95). And for the novice, there’s the old stand-by, Archie & Friends Comic books ($2.25).

Pamper Your Feet—Heel-to-Toe Pedicure Kit
Sally Beauty Supply, Westgate Plaza
The Heel-to-Toe pedicure kit features foot scrub, lotion, masque, and soak in a convenient travel tote, at a bargain for $9.99. Give the gift of relaxation—or treat yourself after all that shopping! The store also has great stocking stuffers like nail buffers and emory boards (79 cents) or cute foam toe separators for the at-home pedicure (49 cents).

Bargain Bling—Fashion jewelry for less
Fashion Bug, Westgate Plaza
Get up-to-the-minute necklaces, bracelets and earrings deeply-discounted. A strand of chunky black beads ($8) or earring and necklace sets ($16). Plus they have fashionable tights, and hat-scarf-and-glove sets to help keep your loved ones warm this year.

Get your motor running—Harley Davidson baby sets
Capital Kidzwear, 204 Washington Avenue, at the corner of Lark and Washington
This new children’s clothing store has everything, and it’s conveniently located. Whether you need kids' formalwear (toddler tuxes and dresses), a new school uniform (FrenchToast), or the best name brands (Timberland, Dickies, South Pole, Puma, Ecko, and Esprit) for the kid in your life, Capital Kidzwear has it. They carry sizes Infant to Boys 20 and Girls 16, and even some Juniors clothing. Plus they have the cutest gift sets for babies from all your favorite teams and name brands, including Yankees, Giants, Red Sox, Dickies, and Harley Davidson. Prices range from $36-$40 for these five-piece sets.

Double Happiness Takes Tri-City Residents Downstate

Double Happiness Travel Inc., a New York City bus company, has just opened a new office on Central Avenue. The company will offer bus trips from Albany to Kingston and Manhattan.



The company offers several trips per week, at very affordable rates. A one-way ticket to Manhattan is $25 and round-trip tickets are $45. The three buses leave from the Albany station at 128 Central Avenue once a day and stop in Chinatown and Midtown. For their convenience, passengers can wait in the bus station waiting room. For more information about schedules, check the company's website http://www.aabus.com/.

Geico Opens on the Avenue & Gives Back to Community

Geico has come to Albany! The national insurance company opened a new office on Central Avenue near the Hannaford Plaza, and they want to be part of the Capital District community by giving to local charities and causes. “This office locally has really reached out to the local community to lend a hand,” said Anthony Triola, Director of Sales and Marketing.
The office’s ribbon-cutting, which was held November 27, was attended by Albany City Mayor Jerry Jennings, and about 80 members of the community. The head of the local office, Field Representative Dave Phillips, took the occasion to present the the Police Athletic League a check for $1,000 to assist with their annual toy drive. Geico also sponsors eight River Rats games, and will sponsor Albany Conquest Arena Football games, said Triola.
This year, Geico also sponsored one of the light displays in the Capital Holiday Lights in the Park in Washington Park—a 14-foot gecko lizard.
This Friday evening, the office is also working with Joe’s Kids, Troy Boys & Girls Club, Juvenile Diabetes, and Centro Civico to sponsor a Christmas party downtown to help give toys to local youngsters.
The company wants to give back to the community, said Triola, who said he is looking forward to seeing the kids receive their presents that night. “They’re so happy, and it doesn’t take a lot,” Triola said.
Phillips also wants to help the local chapter of the Pioneers, a tri-city volunteer organization that fixes up old toys to be distributed to low-income children in the area. Phillips will work with the organization in memory of his father-in-law Ken Rapsard, who co-founded the Pioneers, said Triola.
Geico offers auto, motorcycle, homeowners, and renters insurance, six days a week: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm. There are eight staff members to serve customers. The office recently added a large fish tank, and a tank containing live geckos. The geckos won’t arrive until next week, Triola said.

Take a Virtual Tour